Unmanned aerial vehicle impact monitoring system

ABSTRACT

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) impact monitoring includes a UAV having a propulsion system configured to fly the UAV to a destination; a retention mechanism for retaining and releasing a package carried by the UAV; and an indicator reader module configured to determine a status of an impact indicator attached to the package.

BACKGROUND

To save time and also potentially money, distributors and sellers ofgoods have been attempting to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) tohandle customer shipments. These UAVs have distinct advantages sincethey can be automated or remotely controlled. This allows for savings inlabor.

UAV airborne delivery also provides for very fast service. Under aconventional package delivery service, a customer orders an item, theitem is placed on one truck, and then the item is transported by thetruck from a warehouse to a distribution center. The item is thenunloaded at one area (incoming) of the distribution center, is moved toa sorting area of the distribution center, and then moved to a loading(shipment) area, where the item is placed on a pallet that is waitingfor an outgoing truck. After placing the item on the outgoing truck, theitem is then transported on the truck or van from the distributioncenter to the ultimate delivery destination area.

However, with a UAV, after the customer orders an item, the UAV deliveryprocess results in much faster delivery. The item (in some embodimentsin a package) is loaded onto the UAV, the UAV is launched, the UAVreaches the delivery destination area, and the UAV then delivers thepackage.

There are multiple ways in which a UAV may deliver a package at thedesired destination. For example, the UAV could land, release thepackage, and then take off. The UAV may also hover above the deliverydestination, lower the package from the UAV to the ground using a lineor tether, release the package, and then retract the tether. The UAV mayalso release the package from a relatively small distance above alanding area (e.g., with or without a parachute to slow the descent ofthe package to the landing area).

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device andtechnique for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) impact monitoring isdisclosed. The system and technique includes unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) having a propulsion system configured to fly the UAV to adestination; a retention mechanism for retaining and releasing a packagecarried by the UAV; and an indicator reader module configured todetermine a status of an impact indicator attached to the package.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system andtechnique includes a UAV having a propulsion system configured to flythe UAV to a destination; a retention mechanism for retaining andreleasing a package carried by the UAV; and an indicator reader module.The indicator reader module is configured to, prior to the retentionmechanism releasing the package at the destination, determine a statusof an impact indicator attached to the package and, responsive todetermining that the status indicates an activation of the impactindicator, abort a release of the package by the retention mechanism atthe destination.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a systemand technique includes a UAV having a propulsion system configured tofly the UAV to a destination; a retention mechanism for retaining andreleasing a package carried by the UAV; and an indicator reader module.The indicator reader module is configured to, prior to picking up thepackage by the retention mechanism, determine a status of an impactindicator attached to the package and, responsive to determining thatthe status indicates a non-activation of the impact indicator, pick upthe package by the retention mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present application, theobjects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the followingdescriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating respective front and rearviews of an embodiment of an impact indicator according to the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating respective front and rearviews of the impact indicator of FIGS. 1A and 1B in an activated stateaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIG. 2B in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIG. 3A in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4A is another diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion ofthe impact indicator of FIGS. 1A and 1B in an activated state accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIG. 4A in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an impactindicator according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIG. 5A in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B in an activated state inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B in another activatedstate in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator illustrated in FIG. 7A in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an impactindicator according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of a portion ofan embodiment of the impact indicator of FIG. 8 according with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a section view of an embodiment of theimpact indicator of FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure takenalong the line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of theimpact indicator depicted in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an impactindicator in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the impact indicatorof FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureviewed from the line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the impact indicatordepicted in FIG. 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure viewed from the line 14-14 of FIG. 12;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating a portion of the impactindicator depicted in FIGS. 12-14 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an impactindicator in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the impact indicatorof FIG. 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureviewed from the line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a section view of the impact indicatordepicted in FIG. 16 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an impactindicator in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of an impactindicator in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the impact indicatordepicted in FIG. 20 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an unmannedaerial vehicle (UAV) impact monitoring system according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a UAV impactmonitoring system according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a UAV impactmonitoring method according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, system, methodand technique for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) impact monitoring.According to one embodiment, the system and technique includes a UAVhaving a propulsion system configured to fly the UAV to a destination; aretention mechanism for retaining and releasing a package carried by theUAV; and an indicator reader module configured to determine a status ofan impact indicator attached to the package. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure enable impact and/or acceleration event detection of apackage being transported/delivered by the UAV. The UAV is configured toacquire one or more types of data pertaining to an impact indicatoraffixed to and/or otherwise associated with the package to determine ifthe package has been subject to an impact event that may otherwise causedamage to the package. If an activated status is determined for theimpact indicator (indicating that the package has been subjected to animpact event of sufficient magnitude to cause the impact indicator todisplay and/or otherwise indicate a positive impact status, the UAV mayabort the delivery, re-acquire the package for the return thereof to itsdestination, etc.

With reference now to the Figures and in particular with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B, exemplary diagrams of an impact indicator 10 areprovided in which illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure maybe implemented. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a front view of impactindicator 10, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a rear view ofimpact indicator 10. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, indicator 10 is a portabledevice configured to be affixed to or disposed within a transportcontainer containing an object of which impact and/or accelerationevents associated therewith are to be monitored. Embodiments of impactindicator 10 monitor whether an object has been exposed to an impact orsome level of an acceleration event during manufacturing, storage and/ortransport of the object. In some embodiments, impact indicator 10 may beaffixed to a transport container using, for example, adhesive materials,permanent or temporary fasteners, or a variety of different types ofattachment devices. The transport container may include a container inwhich a monitored object is loosely placed or may comprise a containerof the monitored object itself. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 1Aand 1B are only exemplary and are not intended to assert or imply anylimitation with regard to the environments in which differentembodiments may be implemented.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, impact indicator 10comprises a housing 12 having a detection assembly 14 disposed therein.In the illustrated embodiment, detection assembly 14 is configured todetect and indicate impact or acceleration events in either of twodifferent directions, indicated by direction 16 or direction 18 relativeto indicator 10 in FIG. 1B (i.e., in direction 16/18 or at an anglethereto having a directional vector component in a correspondingdirection 16/18). However, it should be understood that assembly 14 maybe configured for detecting/indicating an impact event corresponding toa single direction (as will be described further below). Further, itshould be understood that additional detection assemblies 14 may beincluded in indicator 10 to provide impact detection/indication inadditional directions.

In some embodiments, housing 12 is configured and/or constructed from aclear or semi-opaque material having a masking label 20 located on afront side thereof or affixed thereto (FIG. 1A). In some embodiments,masking label 20 is configured having one or more apertures or “windows”22 for providing a visual indication of impact detection. For example,as will be described further below, in response to indicator 10 beingsubjected to or receiving some predetermined level of impact oracceleration event, detection assembly 14 causes a visual indication tobe displayed within or through one or more of windows 22 to provide avisual indication that the monitored object has or may have beensubjected to some level of impact. However, it should be understood thatother methods may be used to provide a visual indication that detectionassembly 14 has moved and/or been otherwise placed into an activatedstate indicating that indicator 10 has experienced a shock, impact oracceleration event. It should also be understood that housing 12 may beconfigured and/or manufactured from other materials (e.g., opaquematerials having one or more windows 22 formed therein). In someembodiments, housing 12 may be configured without window 22. Forexample, as will be described in greater detail below, indicator 10 maybe configured to provide visual and/or non-visual indications of whetheran impact or acceleration condition has been experienced by indicator 10(e.g., via the use of RFID signals).

Referring to FIG. 1B, detection assembly 14 is illustrated in anon-activated or initial pre-detection state (i.e., prior to beingsubjected to an acceleration event). In the illustrated embodiment,detection assembly 14 comprises a weight or mass member 30 and springmembers 40 and 42. Housing 12 comprises sidewalls 46 and 48 located onopposite sides of mass member 30. Sidewalls 46 and 48 form a translationpath to enable movement of mass member 30 within housing 12 in responseto housing 12 or indicator 10 being subjected to an acceleration event.For example, in FIG. 1B, mass member 30 is located in a non-activatedposition 50 within housing 12. Additionally, referring to FIG. 1A, amedial surface portion 52 of mass member 30 is located within and/or isotherwise visible within window 22.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, spring members 40 and 42 biasmass member 30 to the non-activated position 50 in the pre-detectionstate of indicator 10. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,spring members 40 and 42 comprise leaf springs 56 and 58, respectively;however, it should be understood that other types of biasing elementsmay be used. In FIG. 1B, sidewall 46 has formed therein recesses orseats 62 and 64 for holding respective ends 68 and 70 of leaf springs 56and 58. Sidewall 48 has formed therein recesses or seats 74 and 76 forholding respective ends 80 and 82 of leaf springs 56 and 58. Leafsprings 56 and 58 are formed having a length greater than a width ofmass member 30 (e.g., as measured in a direction from sidewall 46 tosidewall 48). The ends 68 and 80 of leaf spring 56 are located inrespective seats 62 and 74 such that leaf spring 56 is positioned in anorientation transverse to the movement path of mass member 30. The ends70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 are located in respective seats 64 and 76such that leaf spring 58 is positioned in an orientation transverse tothe movement path of mass member 30. For example, the translation pathformed by sidewalls 46 and 48 enables movement of mass member 30 in thedirections indicated by 16 and 18.

Ends 68 and 80 of leaf spring 56 are located in seats 62 and 80, andends 70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 are located in respective seats 64 and76, such that leaf springs 56 and 58 have convex surfaces facing eachother. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, leaf springs 56 and 58 arebiased towards each other. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B,leaf springs 56 and 58 each extend laterally across a medial portion ofmass member 30 between opposing arcuately formed walls 88 and 90 of massmember 30. Leaf springs 56 and 58 are biased toward each other andsupport mass 30 in the non-activated position 50 (e.g., leaf springs 56and 58 contact and support respective walls 88 and 90 of mass member 30to retain mass member 30 in the non-activated position 50). It should beunderstood that mass member 30 may be otherwise formed and/or springmembers 40 and 42 may be otherwise configured and/or positioned relativeto mass member 30 to retain and/or bias mass member 30 to thenon-activated position 50.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating respective front and rearviews of indicator 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B in an activatedstate. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, indicator 10and/or housing 12 has been subjected to an impact and/or accelerationevent in a direction corresponding to direction 16 of a level and/ormagnitude to overcome the bias force of spring members 40 and 42 andthereby cause mass member 30 to move from non-activated position 50 toan activated position 96. In response to the acceleration event, leafspring 56 inverts and a convex portion thereof applies a biasing forceagainst wall 88 of mass member 30 to bias mass member 30 to theactivated position 96. Additionally, in response to the accelerationevent and movement of mass member 30 to the activated position 96, ends70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 are drawn out of respective seats 64 and 76.As best illustrated in FIG. 2A, in the activated position 96, adifferent portion of mass member 30 is located within and/or isotherwise visible in window 22 than when mass member 30 is in thenon-activated position 50. For example, in the non-activated position50, a medial portion of mass member 30 (e.g., medial surface portion 52(FIG. 1A)) is located within and/or is otherwise visible in window 22.However, in response to movement of mass member 30 to the activatedposition 96, a surface portion 98 located adjacent medial surfaceportion 52 is located within and/or is otherwise visible in window 22.As will be described further below, mass member 30 may contain, atdifferent locations thereon, different types and/or forms of indicia ona side thereof facing window 22 corresponding to the non-activated andactivated positions of mass member 30 within housing 12 to provide anindication as to whether indicator 10 has been subjected to a certainlevel or magnitude of acceleration event/impact.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.2B of indicator 10, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an enlargedview of a portion of FIG. 3A of indicator 10. Referring to FIGS. 2B, 3Aand 3B, as described above, in response to an acceleration event indirection 16 of a level and/or magnitude to overcome the bias force ofspring members 40 and 42, leaf spring 56 inverts and a convex portionthereof applies a biasing force against wall 88 of mass member 30 tobias mass member 30 to the activated position 96. Additionally, ends 70and 82 of leaf spring 58 are drawn out of respective seats 64 and 76. Asbest illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, sidewalls 46 and 48 have formedtherein indent regions 102 and 104, respectively, that are set backand/or offset from adjacent wall surfaces 106, 108, 110 and 112 ofsidewalls 46 and 48, respectively. Indent region 102 is located alongsidewall 46 between seats 62 and 64, and indent regions 104 is locatedalong sidewall 48 between seats 74 and 76. In response to movement ofmass member 30 to the activated position 96, ends 70 and 82 of leafspring 58 are drawn out of respective seats 64 and 76 and becomepositioned within respective indent regions 102 and 104. Indent regions102 and 104 prevent or substantially prevent ends 70 and 82 of leafspring 58 from returning to respective seats 64 and 76. Thus, ifindicator 10 is subjected to another acceleration event in a directionopposite direction 16 (e.g., direction 18) in an attempt to reset and/orre-position mass member 30 in the non-activated position 50 after beingin an activated state, indent regions 102 and 104 resist the return ofends 70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 to seats 64 and 76, thereby resultingin an additional bias force in the direction 16 that would need to beovercome in an opposite direction to effectuate movement of mass member30 toward the non-activated position 50.

FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion ofindicator 10 with mass member 30 located in another activated position116 (e.g., on a side of housing 12 opposite activated position 96), andFIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.4A. For clarity, referring to FIG. 1B, mass member 30 is depictedtherein in non-activated position 50. Activated positions 96 and 116 arereferenced in FIG. 1B to illustrate locations within housing 12 wheremass member 30 will be located when in activated positions 96 and 116.Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, if indicator 10 has been subjected to anacceleration event in direction 16 that caused mass member 30 to move toactivated position 96 (FIG. 2B) and thereafter is subjected to anotheracceleration event in direction 18 (e.g., an unauthorized attempt toreseat mass member 30 in the non-activated position 50 or in response tosome other impact event) of a level and/or magnitude to overcome theforce(s) applied by leaf springs 56 and 58, leaf springs 56 and 58 bothcollapse or invert and mass member 30 moves from activated position 96,past non-activated position 50, to the activated position 116. Forexample, in response to the acceleration event in direction 18 of alevel and/or magnitude to overcome the force(s) applied by leaf springs56 and 58, leaf springs 56 and 58 both collapse or invert such thatconvex portions thereof apply a biasing force against wall 90 of massmember 30 to bias mass member 30 to activated position 116.Additionally, ends 68 and 80 of leaf spring 56 are drawn out ofrespective seats 62 and 74 and become positioned within respectiveindent regions 102 and 104. Thus, in response to movement of mass member30 from activated position 96 to activated position 116, leaf springs 56and 58 are biased in a same direction (e.g., toward wall 90 of massmember 30) and ends 68, 70, 80 and 82 of respective leaf springs 56 and58 are located within indent regions 102 and 104, respectively, toprevent or substantially prevent leaf springs 56 and 58 to returning toseat 62, 64, 74 or 76, thereby further preventing or substantiallypreventing mass member 30 from returning (in a maintained durationalstate) to non-activated position 50 after being in an activated state.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of indicator 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure, and FIG. 5B is a diagramillustrating an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5A of indicator 10.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, sidewalls 46 and 48each have formed therein an additional spring seat 120 and 122,respectively. Seat 120 is located along sidewall 46 between seats 62 and64, and seat 122 is located along sidewall 48 between seats 74 and 76.Similar to seats 62, 64, 74 and 76, seats 120 and 122 comprise arecessed area along respective sidewalls 46 and 48 for receiving ends68/80 and 70/82 of respective leaf springs 56 and 58 in response toindicator 10 being subjected to an impact or acceleration event ofsufficient magnitude to cause movement of mass member 30 (e.g., asdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B). Forexample, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating indicator 10 shown in FIGS. 5Aand 5B with mass member 30 located in the activated position 96. Becauseleaf springs 56 and 58 are configured having a length greater than alateral width of the translation path for movement of mass member 30,the ends of leaf springs 56 and 58 will seek the widest lateraldimension between sidewalls 46 and 48 to relieve tension forces therein.Thus, for example, in response to indicator 10 being subjected to anacceleration event in direction 16 of a magnitude sufficient to overcomethe bias forces of leaf springs 56 and 58, mas member 30 will move fromnon-activated position 50 toward activated position 96, leaf spring 56will collapse and/or invert and apply a biasing force toward wall 88 ofmass member 30, and ends 70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 will be drawn outof respective seats 64 and 76 and become located in respective seats 120and 122. Seats 120 and 122 102 and 104 prevent or substantially preventends 70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 from returning to respective seats 64and 76. Thus, if indicator 10 is subjected to another acceleration eventin a direction opposite direction 16 (e.g., direction 18) in an attemptto reset and/or re-position mass member 30 in the non-activated position50 after being in an activated state, indent regions 102 and 104 resistthe return of ends 70 and 82 of leaf spring 58 to seats 64 and 76,thereby resulting in an additional bias force in the direction 16 thatwould need to be overcome in an opposite direction to effectuatemovement of mass member 30 toward the non-activated position 50.

FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an enlarged view of a portion ofindicator 10 of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 with mass member 30 located inactivated position 116, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating anenlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7A. If indicator 10 has beensubjected to an acceleration event in direction 16 that caused massmember 30 to move to activated position 96 (FIG. 6) and thereafter issubjected to another acceleration event in direction 18 (e.g., anunauthorized attempt to reseat mass member 30 in the non-activatedposition 50 or in response to some other impact event) of a level and/ormagnitude to overcome the force(s) applied by leaf springs 56 and 58,leaf springs 56 and 58 both collapse or invert and mass member 30 movesfrom activated position 96, past non-activated position 50, to theactivated position 116. For example, in response to the accelerationevent in direction 18 of a level and/or magnitude to overcome theforce(s) applied by leaf springs 56 and 58, leaf springs 56 and 58 bothcollapse or invert such that convex portions thereof apply a biasingforce against wall 90 of mass member 30 to bias mass member 30 toactivated position 116. Additionally, ends 68 and 80 of leaf spring 56are drawn out of respective seats 62 and 74 and become positioned withinrespective seats 120 and 122. Thus, in response to movement of massmember 30 from activated position 96 to activated position 116, leafsprings 56 and 58 are biased in a same direction (e.g., toward wall 90of mass member 30) and ends 68, 70, 80 and 82 of respective leaf springs56 and 58 are located within seats 120 and 122, respectively, to preventor substantially prevent leaf springs 56 and 58 to returning to seat 62,64, 74 or 76, thereby further preventing or substantially preventingmass member 30 from returning (in a maintained durational state) tonon-activated position 50 after being in an activated state.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing and illustrating an embodiment ofindicator 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In some embodiments, impact indicator 10 may be affixed (permanently orremovably) to a printed circuit board and/or otherwise permanently orremovably connected to electronic circuitry (e.g., such as a removablecartridge) such that, in response to receipt and/or detection of anacceleration event or impact condition of a sufficient magnitude, impactindicator 10 provides an electronic switch closure or opener that maythereby provide an electronic signal/indication of such event. In FIG.8, indicator 10 includes a mechanical switching mechanism 80, switchcircuitry 82, and a wireless communications module 83 coupled to switchcircuitry 82. Mechanical switching mechanism 80 may be any mechanicaldevice used to cause a state change in switch circuitry 82. For example,in some embodiments, mechanism 80 may comprise mass member 30. In suchan embodiment (as will be described in greater detail below), movementof mass member 30 may cause a state change in switch circuitry 82 (e.g.,changing from an open circuit condition to a closed circuit condition,or vice versa). Switch circuitry 82 may comprise one or more switchelements, contacts, and or circuits that are responsive to movement ofmass member 30 (or other type of mechanical switching mechanism 80).Wireless communications module 83 is configured to wirelesslycommunicate information associated with a state of switch circuitry 82indicating the activation state of indicator 10 (e.g., based on an openor closed circuit state of circuitry 82). For example, in oneembodiment, wireless communications module 83 includes an RFID module84. In some embodiments, RFID module 84 comprises a passive RFID module84 (e.g., a passive RFID tag) having an RFID integrated circuit orcircuitry 86 (e.g., disposed on or as part of a printed circuit board)and a memory 88, along with an antenna 90. As a passive RFID module 84,indicator 10 does not contain a battery (e.g., power is supplied by anRFID reader 100). For example, when radio waves from reader 100 areencountered by module 84, antenna 90 forms a magnetic field, therebyproviding power to module 84 to energize circuit 86. Onceenergized/activated, module 84 may output/transmit information encodedin memory 88. However, it should be understood that, in someembodiments, RFID module 84 may comprise an active RFID module 84including a power source (e.g., a battery) that may be configured tocontinuously, intermittently, and/or according to programmed or eventtriggers, broadcast or transmit certain information. It should also beunderstood that wireless communications module 83 may be configured forother types of wireless communication types, modes, protocols, and/orformats (e.g., short-message services (SMS), wireless data using GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS)/3G/4G or through public internet via Wi-Fi,or locally with other radio-communication protocol standards such asWi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE), LoRA,NB-IoT, SigFox, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), orother prevalent technologies). As will be described further below,impact indicator 10 functions as a shock fuse such that, in response toreceipt of a particular level and/or magnitude of a shock/accelerationevent, an electrically conductive member either opens or closes anelectronic switch. This configuration enables impact indicator 10 to beused as a passive impact sensor/indicator that can be used as part of anelectronic signal or circuit. In some embodiments, the impact sensingcapabilities/functions of impact indicator 10 of the present disclosureneeds no power while in the monitoring state. When activated, impactindicator 10 completes or opens an electrical path of a circuit and thuscould be integrated into most any electronic monitoring system.

In the illustrated embodiment, memory 88 includes at least two differentstored and/or encoded values 92 and 94. For example, value 92 maycorrespond to a value outputted/transmitted by module 84 when switchcircuitry 82 is in an open circuit condition or state, and value 94 maycorrespond to a value outputted/transmitted by module 84 when switchcircuitry 82 is in a closed circuit condition or state. As an example,the value 94 may represent an RFID tag identification (ID) number nothaving an activated impact switch circuitry 82, and the RFID tag's IDnumber may have an additional character (e.g., “0”) placed at the endthereof. Value 92 may represent the RFID ID number having an activatedimpact switch circuitry 82, and the RFID tag's ID number may have anadditional character at the end thereof being different from theadditional character carried by value 94 (e.g., “1”). In the illustratedembodiment, RFID module 84 (e.g., circuitry 86) is coupled to switchcircuitry 82 and can detect whether switch circuitry 82 is in an open orclosed circuit condition or state. Thus, for example, switch circuitry82 may initially be in closed circuit condition or state. Thus, ifenergized/activated, module 84 would transmit value 94 to reader 100. Ifindicator were to be subject to an impact event, mechanism 80 may causea change in circuitry 82 that would result in circuitry 82 being in anopen circuit condition or state. Thus, if now energized/activated (e.g.,after the impact event), module 84 would instead transmit value 92 toreader 100. Thus, embodiments of the present invention enable indicator10 to monitor sensitive products/objects to which it is attached forpotential damage caused by shock using electronic indicators (e.g., RFIDreaders) while indicator 10 does not contain or require any internalpower source (e.g., a battery).

The present invention may include computer program instructions at anypossible technical detail level of integration (e.g., stored in acomputer readable storage medium (or media) (e.g., memory 88) forcausing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices (e.g.,communications module 83 and/or RFID module 84). Computer readableprogram instructions for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture(ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependentinstructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data,configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code orobject code written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry (e.g., circuitry86) including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions byutilizing state information of the computer readable programinstructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order toperform aspects of the present invention. Aspects of the presentinvention are described herein with reference to illustrations and/orblock diagrams of methods and/or apparatus according to embodiments ofthe invention. It will be understood that each block of theillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theillustrations and/or block diagrams, may represent a module, segment, orportion of code, can be implemented by computer readable programinstructions. These computer readable program instructions may beprovided to a processor or other programmable data processing apparatusto produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe illustrations and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computerreadable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readablestorage medium that can direct a computing device, a programmable dataprocessing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the computer readable storage medium havinginstructions stored therein comprises an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the illustrations and/or block diagram block or blocks.Switch circuitry 82, wireless communications module 83, and/or RFIDmodule 84 may be implemented in any suitable manner using knowntechniques that may be hardware-based, software-based, or somecombination of both. For example, switch circuitry 82, wirelesscommunications module 83, and/or RFID module 84 may comprise software,logic and/or executable code for performing various functions asdescribed herein (e.g., residing as software and/or an algorithm runningon a processor unit, hardware logic residing in a processor or othertype of logic chip, centralized in a single integrated circuit ordistributed among different chips in a data processing system). As willbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the presentdisclosure may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take theform of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of a portion ofan embodiment of indicator 10 in accordance with the present disclosure,FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a section view of indicator 10 of FIG.9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention taken alongthe line 10-10 in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating anenlarged view of a portion of indicator 10 depicted in FIG. 10. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, mechanical switching mechanism 80is formed by mass member 30 having affixed or secured thereto anelectrically conductive element 120. In some embodiments, mass member 30may be formed of a non-metallic or non-conductive material such thatconductive element 120 may be secured thereto (e.g., affixed by bonding,fasteners, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, conductive element 120extends transversely across mass member 30 in a direction generallyorthogonal to the direction of movement of mass member 30 within housing12 (e.g., movement directions 16 and 18 depicted in FIG. 1B). Conductivemember 120 is configured to connect with and/or engage spaced apartcontacts 122 and 124 of switch circuitry 82 to cause circuitry 82 to bein either an open circuit condition or state (e.g., when conductiveelement 120 is disengaged from contacts 122 and 124) or a closed circuitcondition or state (e.g., when conductive element 120 is in engagementwith contacts 122 and 124). In the illustrated embodiment, conductiveelement 120 extends linearly across mass member 30 in the directiondescribed above; however, it should be understood that the direction,size, shape, etc., of element 120 may vary (e.g., based on the positionand/or locations of contacts 122 and 124). Contacts 122 and 124 compriseelectrically conductive pads or segments of circuitry 82. For example,circuitry 82 may comprise one or more electrically conductive wires,traces, pads, posts, and/or electronic components that are coupled toRFID module 84. In FIG. 9, RFID module 84 is omitted from view to betterillustrate mass member 30 with conductive element 120; however, itshould be understood that contacts 122 and 124 may be coupled to and/orotherwise form part of RFID module 84.

Thus, in operation, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11,circuitry 82 is initially in a closed circuit state when mass member 30is in the non-activated or initial pre-detection state/position 50 (FIG.1B (i.e., prior to being subjected to an acceleration event)). Thus, ifRFID module 84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100 while massmember 30 is in the non-activated or initial pre-detection state 50(i.e., prior to being subjected to an acceleration event), RFID module84 would detect the closed circuit condition of circuitry 82 and outputor transmit value 94. Responsive to indicator 10 being subjected to animpact or acceleration event of a magnitude sufficient to cause movementof mass member 30 from the initial non-activated position 50 to anactivated position (e.g., position 96 or 116 (FIGS. 2B and 7A)), thestate of circuitry 82 would change from being in a closed circuitcondition to being in an open circuit condition because conductiveelement 120 would have moved away and become disengaged from contacts122 and 124. Thus, responsive to movement of mass member 30 from theinitial non-activated position 50 to an activated position 96 or 116, ifRFID module 84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100, RFID module84 would detect the open circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output ortransmit value 92 instead of value 94. Thus, a change in the switchcircuitry 82 state causes a change in a value output by RFID module 84when activated.

Additionally, embodiments of impact indicator 10 provide anon-reversible indication of impact activation. For example, asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 4A, once mass member 30 leavesthe non-activated or pre-activated position 50 in response to an impactevent, mass member 30 would remain in either position 96 or 116 (e.g.,due to leaf springs 56 and 58), thereby resulting in circuitry 82remaining in an open state condition and RFID module 84 transmittingvalue 92 when energized.

In the above description and illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9-11,circuitry 82 is in a closed circuit condition when mass member 30 is inthe non-activated or pre-activated position 50. However, it should beunderstood that indicator 10 may be alternately configured such thatcircuitry 82 is instead in an open circuit condition when mass member 30is in the non-activated or pre-activated position 50, and circuitry 82is in a closed circuit condition when mass member is in position 96 or116 (e.g., by placing a pair of contacts 122 and 124 near each ofpositions 96 and 116 (instead of near position 50) which would engageconductive element 120 when mass member 30 is in respective positions 96or 116). Alternatively, mass member 30 could have multiple spaced apartconductive elements 120 (e.g., one near an upper portion of mass member30 and one near a lower portion of mass member 30) such that movement ofmass member 30 into position 96 or 116 would cause a respectiveconductive element 120 to come into engagement with contacts 122 and 124located near position 50 (e.g., the lower conductive element 120engaging contacts 122 and 124 located near position 50 when mass memberis in position 96, and vice versa for when mass member 30 is in position116). Thus, it should be understood that the placement of conductiveelement 120 and/or contacts 122 and 124 may vary while enabling RFIDmodule 84 to transmit different values based on whether circuitry 82 isin an open or closed circuit state (based on whether indicator has beensubjected to an impact event).

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of indicator 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure, FIG. 13 is a diagramillustrating a bottom view of indicator 10 of FIG. 12 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention taken along the line 13-13 inFIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a side view of indicator10 depicted in FIG. 12 taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12. In FIGS.12-14, most elements of indicator 10 (e.g., those depicted and describedin connection with FIGS. 1-7) have been omitted for clarity and ease ofdescription; however, it should be understood that indicator 10 may besimilarly configured as depicted and described in connection with FIGS.1-7. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment ofswitching mechanism 80, circuitry 82, and RFID module 84 coupled toswitch circuitry 82 are depicted. In the illustrated embodiment,switching mechanism 80 is formed by mass member 30 (e.g., withoutconductive element 120 (FIGS. 9-11)). For ease of description andclarity, mass member 30 is not depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. Switchcircuitry 82 includes conductive switch elements 130 and 132, andconductive contacts 140, 142, 144, and 146. Switch elements 130 and 132are located generally in or near respective positions 96 and 116 suchthat as mass member 30 moves into position 96 or 116 from position 50,mass member 30 contacts or otherwise engages respective switch element130 or 132. In the illustrated embodiment, switch element 130 is fixedlycoupled to contact 140, and switch element 132 is fixedly coupled tocontact 146. Switch elements 130 and 132, and contacts 140, 142, 144,and 146, may comprise conductive wires, pins, posts, pads, traces, etc.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, switch element 130includes contiguous switch element segments 150, 152, and 154 wheresegment 150 is fixedly coupled to contact 140. Switch element 130comprises a flexible switch element 130 such that segments 150, 152, and154 are movable in angular relationship relative to each other, andsegment 150 may bend/rotate relative to and/or with contact 140.Similarly, switch element 132 includes contiguous switch elementsegments 156, 158, and 160 where segment 156 is fixedly coupled tocontact 146. Switch element 132 also comprises a flexible switch element132 such that segments 156, 158, and 160 are movable in angularrelationship relative to each other, and segment 156 may bend/rotaterelative to and/or with contact 146. In the illustrated embodiment,switch elements 130 and 132 include non-linear switch element segments150, 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160, respectively. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, switch elements 130 and 132 are formed having agenerally Z-shaped configuration (e.g., when viewed from a positionorthogonal to a plane of movement of switch elements 130 and 132);however, it should be understood that elements 130 and 132 may beotherwise configured.

As best depicted in FIG. 12, circuitry 82 is initially in an opencircuit state when mass member 30 is in the non-activated or initialpre-detection state/position 50 (i.e., prior to being subjected to anacceleration event). For example, in this embodiment, in thenon-activated or initial pre-detection state/position 50 of mass member30, segments 154 and 160 are each spaced apart from and/or indisengagement with respective contacts 142 and 144. Thus, if RFID module84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100 while mass member 30 isin the non-activated or initial pre-detection state 50 (i.e., prior tobeing subjected to an acceleration event), RFID module 84 would detectthe open circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output or transmit value92. Responsive to indicator 10 being subjected to an impact oracceleration event of a magnitude sufficient to cause movement of massmember 30 from the initial non-activated position 50 to an activatedposition (e.g., position 96 or 116), the state of circuitry 82 wouldchange from being in an open circuit condition to a closed circuitcondition because the movement of mass member 30 would result in massmember 30 contacting a respective switch element 130 or 132 and causethe respective switch element 130 or 132 to come in contact with and/orengage respective contact 142 or 144, thereby closing a respectivecircuit. Thus, responsive to movement of mass member 30 from the initialnon-activated position 50 to an activated position 96 or 116, if RFIDmodule 84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100, RFID module 84would detect the closed circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output ortransmit value 94 instead of value 92. Thus, a change in the switchcircuitry 82 state causes a change in a value output by RFID module 84when activated.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, each switch element 130and 132 may be part of and/or otherwise form a different, separatecircuit (circuit 162 and 164, respectively) such that RFID module 84 candetect whether either circuit 162 or 164 is in an open or closed circuitcondition. For example, if indicator 10 has been subjected to an impactevent causing mass member 30 to move from position 50 to position 96,circuit 164 would remain in an open circuit condition, while circuit 162would have gone from an open circuit condition to a closed circuitcondition. RFID module 84 may be configured to function similar to adigital logic OR gate such that a closed value 94 is output if one orboth circuits 162 and 164 are in a closed circuit condition. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, switch circuitry 82 is in an opencircuit condition when mass member 30 is in the non-activated or initialpre-detection state/position 50 (i.e., prior to being subjected to anacceleration event). However, it should be understood that indicator 10may be otherwise configured (e.g., where circuits 162 and 164 wouldinitially be in a closed circuit condition (e.g., switch elements 130and 132 each in engagement with respective contacts 142 and 144 wheremovement of mass member into position 96 or 116 causes mass member 30 todisengage a respective switch element 130 or 132 from respectivecontacts 142 or 144.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating a portion of indicator 10depicted in FIGS. 12-14. In FIGS. 15A and 15B, only switch element 132is depicted; however, it should be understood that the operation and/orfunction of switch element 130 is similar to that hereinafter describedin connection with switch element 132. In FIG. 15A, indicator 10 hasbeen subjected to an impact event such that mass member 30 has moved inthe direction 170 into position 116 such that the movement of massmember 30 towards position 116 has caused mass member 30 to contactswitch element 132, thereby causing switch element segment 160 to engagecontact 144 to place circuit 164 from an open circuit condition into aclosed circuit condition. In FIG. 15B, in response to indicator 10 beingsubjected to another impact event causing mass member 30 to move indirection 172 away from position 116, although mass member 30 hasdisengaged from switch element 132 (i.e., mass member 30 is no longercontacting or applying a force to switch element 132), switch element132 remains in engagement with contact 144 such that circuit 164 remainsin a closed circuit condition. In this embodiment, switch element 132comprises a flexible and/or deformable switch element 132 such that aforce applied to switch element 132 by mass member 30 causes switchelement 132 to compress within the space directly between contacts 144and 146, thereby resulting in switch element 132 being maintained in acompressed state between contacts 144 and 146. Being in a compressedstate, switch element 132 continues to apply a force to contact 144,thereby maintaining circuit 164 in a closed circuit state after massmember 30 has moved away from position 116 (or away from contactingswitch element 132). Thus, embodiments of the present invention providean irreversible indication of impact activation by maintaining circuit164 in a closed circuit state once circuit 164 has gone from an opencircuit state to a closed circuit state. In the above description,circuit 164 is initially in an open circuit condition and then becomes aclosed circuit in response to movement of mass member 30 against switchelement 132. However, it should be understood that the open/closedcircuit condition or operation could be reversed (e.g., initially in aclosed circuit condition where switch element 132 is in engagement withcontact 144 where movement of mass member 30 against switch element 132causes switch element 132 to disengage from contact 144). In thisalternate embodiment, another contact or the configuration of switchelement 132 may cause circuit 164 to remain in an open circuit stateeven after mass member 30 moves away from position 116.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of impact indicator10 in accordance with the present disclosure, FIG. 17 is a diagramillustrating a bottom view of impact indicator 10 of FIG. 16 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from theline 17-17 in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a sectionview of impact indicator 10 depicted in FIG. 16 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure taken along the line 18-18 of FIG.16. In FIGS. 16-18, most elements of indicator 10 (e.g., those depictedand described in connection with FIGS. 1-7) have been omitted forclarity and ease of description; however, it should be understood thatindicator 10 may be similarly configured as depicted and described inconnection with FIGS. 1-7. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18,another embodiment of switching mechanism 80, circuitry 82, and RFIDmodule 84 coupled to switch circuitry 82 are depicted. In theillustrated embodiment, switching mechanism 80 is formed by mass member30 (e.g., without conductive element 120 (FIGS. 9-11)). For ease ofdescription and clarity, mass member 30 is not depicted in FIGS. 17 and18. Switch circuitry 82 includes conductive switch elements 170 and 172,and conductive contacts 180, 182, 184, and 186. Switch elements 170 and172 are located generally in or near respective positions 96 and 116such that as mass member 30 moves into position 96 or 116 from position50, mass member 30 contacts or otherwise engages respective switchelement 170 or 172. In the illustrated embodiment, switch element 170 isfixedly coupled to contact 180, and switch element 172 is fixedlycoupled to contact 186. Switch elements 170 and 172, and contacts 180,182, 184, and 186, may comprise conductive wires, pins, posts, pads,traces, etc.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, switch elements 170 and172 are arcuately shaped (e.g., when viewed from a position orthogonalto a plane of movement of switch elements 170 and 172) having a convexportion thereof disposed toward mass member 30. In some embodiments,switch elements 170 and 172 comprise flexible switch elements 170 and172 such that switch elements 170 and 172 may bend/rotate relative toand/or with respective contacts 180 and 186. In the illustratedembodiment (as best illustrated in FIG. 18 relative to contact 182),contacts 182 and 184 are disposed at an angle and/or incline toward massmember 30 (e.g., toward respective switch elements 170 and 172) suchthat contacts 182 and 184 are disposed at an acute angle relative to aplane of movement of mass member 30 (and respective switch elements 170and 172). Although FIG. 18 only depicts contacts 182 and 186 (due to thelocation of the section view), it should be understood that contacts 184and 180 are similarly configured (e.g., contact 184 disposed at an acuteangle toward mass member 30/switch element 172).

As best illustrated in FIG. 17, switch element 172 extends towardcontact 184 and bends downwardly near a distal end thereof (e.g., towarda plane parallel to a plane of movement of mass member 30/switch element172 but closer to a base attachment location of contact 184). Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, switch element 172 includescontiguous switch element segments 190, 192, and 194. Segment 190 isfixedly coupled to contact 186 at a proximal end thereof and extends ina direction generally toward contact 184. As segment 190 approaches alocation of contact 184 (e.g., prior to reaching contact 184), segment190 transitions to segment 192 (e.g., an approximate right angle) wheresegment 192 extends in a direction toward module 84 (i.e., in adirection toward a base of contact 184). Segment 192, prior to reachingmodule 84, transitions to segment 194 which extends in a directionsimilar to segment 190 (e.g., an approximate right angle to segment192). It should be understood that switch element 170 is similarlyconfigured (e.g., bending downwardly near a distal end thereof).

In operation, as best depicted in FIG. 16, circuitry 82 is initially inan open circuit state when mass member 30 is in the non-activated orinitial pre-detection state/position 50 (i.e., prior to being subjectedto an acceleration event). For example, in this embodiment, in thenon-activated or initial pre-detection state/position 50 of mass member30, switch elements 170 and 172 are each spaced apart from and/or indisengagement with respective contacts 182 and 184. Thus, if RFID module84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100 while mass member 30 isin the non-activated or initial pre-detection state 50 (i.e., prior tobeing subjected to an acceleration event), RFID module 84 would detectthe open circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output or transmit value92. Responsive to indicator 10 being subjected to an impact oracceleration event of a magnitude sufficient to cause movement of massmember 30 from the initial non-activated position 50 to an activatedposition (e.g., position 96 or 116), the state of circuitry 82 wouldchange from being in an open circuit condition to a closed circuitcondition because the movement of mass member 30 would result in massmember 30 contacting a respective switch element 170 or 172 and causethe respective switch element 170 or 172 to come in contact with and/orengage respective contact 182 or 184, thereby closing a respectivecircuit. Thus, responsive to movement of mass member 30 from the initialnon-activated position 50 to an activated position 96 or 116, if RFIDmodule 84 is activated or energized by RFID reader 100, RFID module 84would detect the closed circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output ortransmit value 94 instead of value 92. Thus, a change in the switchcircuitry 82 state causes a change in a value output by RFID module 84when activated.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, distal ends of switchelements 170 and 172 and angled downwardly toward a base of respectivecontacts 182 and 184, and contacts 182 and 184 are disposed at an acuteangle toward respective switch elements 170 and 172, to reduce alikelihood of switch elements 170 and 172 from riding up and over arespective contact 182 and 184 (e.g., response to movement of massmember 30). As described above in connection with FIGS. 12-14, eachswitch element 170 and 172 may be part of and/or otherwise form adifferent, separate circuit (e.g., circuit 162 and 164, respectively)such that RFID module 84 can detect whether either circuit 162 or 164 isin an open or closed circuit condition. For example, if indicator 10 hasbeen subjected to an impact event causing mass member 30 to move fromposition 50 to position 96, circuit 164 would remain in an open circuitcondition, while circuit 162 would have gone from an open circuitcondition to a closed circuit condition. RFID module 84 may beconfigured to function similar to a digital logic OR gate such that aclosed value 94 is output if one or both circuits 162 and 164 are in aclosed circuit condition. Further, embodiments of indicator 10 providean irreversible indication of activation. For example, as describedfurther in connection with FIGS. 1-7, once indicator 10 has been subjectto an impact condition of a sufficient magnitude to move mass memberaway from position 50, spring members 40 and 42 maintain mass member 30in either position 96 or 116, thereby maintaining switch elements 170and/or 172 in engagement with respective contacts 182 and 184.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of impact indicator10 in accordance with the present disclosure. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 19, indicator 10 is configured similarly to asdepicted and described in connection with FIGS. 16-18 except instead ofa single switch element 170 and 172, a plurality of distinct switchelements 170 and 172 are coupled to respective contacts 180 and 186. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, three switch elements 170 (e.g.,switch elements 170 ₁, 170 ₂, and 170 ₃) are coupled to contact 180, andthree switch elements 172 (e.g., switch elements 172 ₁, 172 ₂, and 172₃) are coupled to contact 186. It should be understood that a greater orfewer quantity of switch elements 170 and 172 may be used. In theillustrated embodiment, multiple switch elements 170 and 172 are used toincrease the likelihood of initiating a circuit state change (e.g.,triggering a closed circuit condition from an open circuit condition, orvice versa). For example, using multiple switch elements 170 and 172increases the likelihood of a circuit state change should one or moreswitch elements 170 and 172 fail or fail to engage respective contacts182 and 184.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of impact indicator10 in accordance with the present disclosure. In FIG. 20, most elementsof indicator 10 (e.g., those depicted and described in connection withFIGS. 1-7) have been omitted for clarity and ease of description;however, it should be understood that indicator 10 may be similarlyconfigured as depicted and described in connection with FIGS. 1-7. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, another embodiment of switchingmechanism 80, circuitry 82, and RFID module 84 coupled to switchcircuitry 82 are depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, switchingmechanism 80 is formed by mass member 30 (e.g., without conductiveelement 120 (FIGS. 9-11)). Impact indicator 10 of FIG. 20 is configuredsimilar to as that depicted and described in connection with FIGS. 12-14except switch circuitry 82 includes conductive switch elements 200 and202. Switch elements 200 and 202 are located generally in or nearrespective positions 96 and 116 such that as mass member 30 moves intoposition 96 or 116 from position 50, mass member 30 contacts orotherwise engages respective switch element 200 or 202. In theillustrated embodiment, switch element 200 is fixedly coupled to contact140, and switch element 202 is fixedly coupled to contact 146.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, switch element 200 includescontiguous switch element segments 210, 212, 214, and 216 where segment210 is fixedly coupled to contact 140. Switch element 200 comprises aflexible switch element 200 such that one or more of segments 210, 212,214, and 216 are movable in angular relationship relative to each other,and segment 210 may bend/rotate relative to and/or with contact 140.Similarly, switch element 202 includes contiguous switch elementsegments 220, 222, 224, and 226 where segment 220 is fixedly coupled tocontact 146. Switch element 202 also comprises a flexible switch element202 such that one or more of segments 220, 222, 224, and 226 are movablein angular relationship relative to each other, and segment 220 maybend/rotate relative to and/or with contact 146. In the illustratedembodiment, switch elements 200 and 202 include non-linear switchelement segments 210, 212, 214, 216, 220, 222, 224, and 226,respectively. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, switchelements 200 and 202 are formed having a generally modified Z-shapedconfiguration (e.g., when viewed from a position orthogonal to a planeof movement of switch elements 200 and 202); however, it should beunderstood that elements 200 and 202 may be otherwise configured.

In the illustrated embodiment, segment 210 extends from contact 140toward mass member 30 and transitions to segment 212 such that segment212 is in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction ofmovement of mass member 30 (i.e., in an initial state/position). Segment212 transitions to segment 214 such that segments 214 and 216 form anacute angle relative to each other (e.g., an open-sided acute triangle)in a spring-like configuration such that segment 216 extends in adirection toward mass member 30 at an acute angle relative to segment214 (e.g., with the open-side of the acute triangle facing mass member30). Segments 214 and 216 form a compressible spring at a distal end ofswitch element 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, switchelement 202 (and segments 220, 222, 224, and 226) are configuredsimilarly to as that described in connection with switch element 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, switch elements 200 and 202 have aZ-shaped configuration with a profile or maximum width less than thatdepicted in FIGS. 12-14 (e.g., relative to switch elements 130 and 132).In FIG. 20, circuitry 82 is initially in an open circuit state when massmember 30 is in the non-activated or initial pre-detectionstate/position 50 (i.e., prior to being subjected to an accelerationevent). For example, in this embodiment, in the non-activated or initialpre-detection state/position 50 of mass member 30, segments 216 and 226are each spaced apart from and/or in disengagement with respectivecontacts 142 and 144. Thus, if RFID module 84 is activated or energizedby RFID reader 100 while mass member 30 is in the non-activated orinitial pre-detection state 50 (i.e., prior to being subjected to anacceleration event), RFID module 84 would detect the open circuitcondition of circuitry 82 and output or transmit value 92. Responsive toindicator 10 being subjected to an impact or acceleration event of amagnitude sufficient to cause movement of mass member 30 from theinitial non-activated position 50 to an activated position (e.g.,position 96 or 116), the state of circuitry 82 would change from beingin an open circuit condition to a closed circuit condition because themovement of mass member 30 would result in mass member 30 contacting arespective switch element 200 or 202 and cause the respective switchelement 200 or 202 to come in contact with and/or engage respectivecontact 142 or 144, thereby closing a respective circuit. Thus,responsive to movement of mass member 30 from the initial non-activatedposition 50 to an activated position 96 or 116, if RFID module 84 isactivated or energized by RFID reader 100, RFID module 84 would detectthe closed circuit condition of circuitry 82 and output or transmitvalue 94 instead of value 92. Thus, a change in the switch circuitry 82state causes a change in a value output by RFID module 84 whenactivated.

As described above in connection with FIGS. 12-14, each switch element200 and 202 may be part of and/or otherwise form a different, separatecircuit (circuit 162 and 164, respectively) such that RFID module 84 candetect whether either circuit 162 or 164 is in an open or closed circuitcondition. Similar to as described and depicted in connection with FIGS.15A and 15B, although mass member 30 may disengaged from switch element200 or 202 (i.e., mass member 30 is no longer contacting or applying aforce to switch element 200 or 202), switch element 200 and/or 202remains in engagement with respective contacts 142 and 144 such thatcircuit 162 and/or 164 remains in a closed circuit condition. In thisembodiment, switch elements 200 and 202 comprise a flexible and/ordeformable switch element 200 and 202 such that a force applied toswitch element 200 and/or 202 by mass member 30 causes switch element200 and/or 202 to compress within the space directly between contacts144 and 146 (e.g., at least respective segments 214/216 and 224/226,thereby resulting in segments 214/216 and 224/226 being maintained in acompressed state against respective contacts 142 and 144. Being in acompressed state, switch elements 200 and 202 continues to apply a forceto respective contacts 142 and 144, thereby maintaining circuit 162 or164 in a closed circuit state after mass member 30 has moved away fromposition 96 or 116 (or away from contacting switch element 200 or 202).Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide an irreversibleindication of impact activation by maintaining circuit 162 or 164 in aclosed circuit state once circuit 162 or 164 has gone from an opencircuit state to a closed circuit state. In the above description,circuits 162 and 164 are initially in an open circuit condition and thenbecome a closed circuit in response to movement of mass member 30against switch elements 200 or 202. However, it should be understoodthat the open/closed circuit condition or operation could be reversed(e.g., initially in a closed circuit condition where switch element 200is in engagement with contact 142 where movement of mass member 30against switch element 200 causes switch element 200 to disengage fromcontact 142). In this alternate embodiment, another contact or theconfiguration of switch element 200 may cause circuit 162 to remain inan open circuit state even after mass member 30 moves away from position96.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a portion of impact indicator 10depicted in FIG. 20 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 21, only switch element 202 is depicted; however, itshould be understood that the operation and/or function of switchelement 200 is similar to that hereinafter described in connection withswitch element 202. In FIG. 21, indicator 10 has been subjected to afirst impact event such that mass member 30 has initially moved intoposition 116 such that the movement of mass member 30 towards position116 has caused mass member 30 to contact switch element 202, therebycausing switch element segment 226 to engage contact 144 to placecircuit 164 from an open circuit condition into a closed circuitcondition. In FIG. 21, in response to indicator 10 being subjected toanother impact event causing mass member 30 to move in direction 172away from position 116, although mass member 30 has disengaged fromswitch element 202 (i.e., mass member 30 is no longer contacting orapplying a force to switch element 202), switch element 202 remains inengagement with contact 144 such that circuit 164 remains in a closedcircuit condition. In this embodiment, switch element 202 comprises aflexible and/or deformable switch element 202 such that a force appliedto switch element 202 by mass member 30 causes switch element 202 tocompress and/or deflect within the space directly between contacts 144and 146, thereby resulting in switch element 202 being maintained in acompressed state between contacts 144 and 146. Being in a compressedstate, switch element 202 continues to apply a force to contact 144,thereby maintaining circuit 164 in a closed circuit state after massmember 30 has moved away from position 116 (or away from contactingswitch element 202). For example, segments 224 and 226 form a compressedleaf spring biased against contact 144 to maintain switch element 202 inengagement with contact 144. Thus, embodiments of the present inventionprovide an irreversible indication of impact activation by maintainingcircuit 164 in a closed circuit state once circuit 164 has gone from anopen circuit state to a closed circuit state. In the above description,circuit 164 is initially in an open circuit condition and then becomes aclosed circuit in response to movement of mass member 30 against switchelement 202. However, it should be understood that the open/closedcircuit condition or operation could be reversed (e.g., initially in aclosed circuit condition where switch element 202 is in engagement withcontact 144 where movement of mass member 30 against switch element 202causes switch element 202 to disengage from contact 144). In thisalternate embodiment, another contact or the configuration of switchelement 202 may cause circuit 164 to remain in an open circuit stateeven after mass member 30 moves away from position 116.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram representing and illustrating an embodimentof an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) impact indicator monitoring system300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG.22, system 300 includes a UAV 302 and an item or package 304 that may beflown by UAV 302 to a particular destination (e.g., from an origin (suchas a vendor location) to a destination (such as a consumer), or viceversa). In the illustrated embodiment, package 304 includes an impactindicator 306 attached, affixed, and/or otherwise secured thereto. Itshould be understood that, as used herein, “package” 304 may include aparticular object or item, or a package/container containing an objector item. Impact indicator 306 is configured to detect and indicatewhether package 304 has been subjected to a sufficient magnitude of animpact or acceleration event, thereby causing an activation status ofimpact indicator 306 to change from a non-activated state to anactivated state. For example, impact indicator 306 may compriseindicator 10 as depicted and described in FIGS. 1-21. However, it shouldbe understood that impact indicator 306 may comprise other types ofimpact indicators (e.g., an impact indicator as depicted and describedin U.S. Pat. No. 8,863,683 which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety; an impact indicator as depicted and described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,103,734 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety;an impact indicator as depicted and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,103,849which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; an impactindicator as depicted and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,116,058 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and other types ofimpact indicators, including shock/impact indicators that arecommercially available under the name ShockWatch® from ShockWatch, Inc.,of Dallas, Tex.)

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, UAV 302 includes apropulsion/guidance system 310 configured to fly UAV 302, a power source312 (e.g., a battery) to provide power to various mechanisms of UAV 302,an antenna 314, a transceiver 316 for transmitting and receivingcommunications (e.g., wireless communications via antenna 314), analtimeter 318, a retention mechanism 320 configured to pick up, retain,and release an object (e.g., package 304) by UAV 302, and a GPS receiver321. In the illustrated embodiment, UAV 304 also includes a memory 322having a controller 324, a GPS module 326, a communications module 328,and UAV data 330. Propulsion/guidance system 310 may include one or morepropellers, ailerons, rudders, etc., for enabling the flight andmovement of UAV 302. Altimeter 318 may be any device which can providethe altitude of UAV 302 (e.g., the height above a delivery destination).Retention mechanism 320 may comprise, but not be limited to, one or moreof a claw, gripper, or grapple, a releasable clamp, a bomb bay, a hookand eyelet, controllable jaws and eyelets, devices which may partiallypenetrate package 304 (e.g., tongs), a suction device, a line or tether(e.g., being retractable relative to UAV 302 for lowering/raisingpackage 304 relative thereto), etc.

In some embodiments, controller 324 is configured to control theoperation of UAV 302 for retrieving/delivering package 304. For example,in some embodiments, GPS module 326 may be used to gather/processgeopositional data of UAV 302 (e.g., using geopositional data acquiredvia GPS receiver 321). Controller 324 may also receive the GPScoordinates of an origin and/or delivery destination of package 304(e.g., wirelessly or though a physical connection/port). The GPScoordinates of an origin and/or delivery destination of package 304 maybe stored in memory 322 as UAV data 330 (e.g., delivery data 332).Controller 324 may activate propulsion/guidance system 310 to take offand fly toward a desired location, and GPS module 326 may acquire GPSdata regarding UAV 302 and interface with controller 324 for controllingthe direction and movement of UAV 302 to a desired location. Altimeter318 provides altitude information also used by controller 324 forcontrolling the movement and altitude of UAV 302. Communications module328 may be used for transmitting/receiving various types of informationrelative to UAV 302 (e.g., via a network 340 to a server 342 or otherremote location). For example, network 340 may comprise any type ofwired and/or wireless network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a widearea network (WAN), a Wi-Fi or cellular network, etc.). It should alsobe understood that communications module 328 may be configured for avariety of types of wireless communications, modes, protocols, and/orformats (e.g., short-message services (SMS), wireless data using GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS)/3G/4G or through public internet via Wi-Fi,or locally with other radio-communication protocol standards such asWi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® low energy (BLE), LoRA,NB-IoT, SigFox, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), orother prevalent technologies). Further details of UAV 302, includingoperational characteristics and/or methods forgrasping/transporting/releasing package 304 is described in U.S. Pat.No. 9,536,216, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. It should be understood that UAV 302 may be otherwiseconfigured to facilitate its characteristics for flying and/orgrasping/transporting/releasing package 304.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, UAV 302 also includes anindicator reader device 350. Indicator reader device 350 may include anytype of device for viewing and/or reading an indication of impactactivation of impact indicator 306 on package 304. For example,indicator reader device 350 may comprise, but not be limited to, acamera 352, an RFID reader 354 (e.g., such as RFID reader 100 asdescribed above), and/or a barcode reader 356. In the illustratedembodiment, UAV 302 also includes an indicator reader module 360 andindicator data 362 (e.g., depicted as being stored in memory 322).Indicator reader module 360 is configured to receive informationcorresponding to indicator 306 (e.g., captured and/or otherwise acquiredby reader device 350) and determine an activation status of impactindicator 306. Indicator data 362 may comprise information associatedwith a prior and/or current activation status of indicator 306, or maycomprise information enabling module 360 to assess the informationacquired by reader device 350 to determine the activation status ofindicator 306. For example, indicator reader module 360 may beconfigured to derive an activation status of indicator 306 based on animage captured by camera 352 (e.g., by detecting a color, a colorchange, or other type of visual indication), based on a value emitted byindicator 306 (e.g., a value emitted by a passive RFID tag as describedabove), a value represented and/or otherwise defined by a barcode orother type of code, etc. In some embodiments, indicator reader module360 may be configured to access indicator data 362 to compare currentlyacquired information with previously acquired information (e.g.,comparing two different image captures of indicator 306 acquired at twodifferent times), compare acquired information with stored information(e.g., access a relational database to determine whether a current valueindicated by indicator 306 indicates an activation status), or otherwiseassess an activation state of indicator 306. In some embodiments, theactivation status of indicator 306 may be communicated to a remotelocation (e.g., to server 342 via communications module 328).

Thus, the present invention may include computer program instructions atany possible technical detail level of integration (e.g., stored in acomputer readable storage medium (or media) (e.g., memory 322) forcausing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices (e.g.,communications module 328 and/or indicator reader module 360). Computerreadable program instructions for carrying out operations of the presentinvention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture(ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependentinstructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data,configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code orobject code written in any combination of one or more programminglanguages. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, forexample, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays(FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computerreadable program instructions by utilizing state information of thecomputer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention. Aspectsof the present invention are described herein with reference toillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods and/or apparatusaccording to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood thateach block of the illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinationsof blocks in the illustrations and/or block diagrams, may represent amodule, segment, or portion of code, can be implemented by computerreadable program instructions. These computer readable programinstructions may be provided to a processor or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the illustrations and/or block diagram blockor blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also bestored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computingdevice, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devicesto function in a particular manner, such that the computer readablestorage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an articleof manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of thefunction/act specified in the illustrations and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

Controller 324, GPS module 326, communications module 328, and/orindicator reader module 360 may be implemented in any suitable mannerusing known techniques that may be hardware-based, software-based, orsome combination of both. For example, controller 324, GPS module 326,communications module 328, and/or indicator reader module 360 maycomprise software, logic and/or executable code for performing variousfunctions as described herein (e.g., residing as software and/or analgorithm running on a processor unit, hardware logic residing in aprocessor or other type of logic chip, centralized in a singleintegrated circuit or distributed among different chips in a dataprocessing system). As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method orcomputer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosuremay take the form of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment(including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or anembodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of UAV impact indicatormonitoring system 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In FIG. 23, UAV 302 has indicator reader device 350 attachedor coupled thereto, and package 304 is detachably coupled to UAV 302 byretention mechanism 320. Indicator reader device 350 is located and/orotherwise oriented in a position on UAV 302 to facilitate theacquisition of status information pertaining to indicator 306 (e.g.,with a line of sight to indicator 306, in proximity to indicator 306 toread a value displayed or emitted by indicator 306 (e.g., such as anRFID value), etc.). In operation, package 304 is transferred or flownfrom one location (e.g., an origin) to another location (e.g., adestination). For example, UAV 302 may be used to deliver package 304 toa customer that has placed an order for a particular object or item froma merchant or other entity, retrieve package 304 from a customer that isreturning an object or item to a merchant, retrieving package 304 from awarehouse and delivering same to a distribution center, etc. In theillustrated embodiment, package 304 has impact indicator 306 attachedthereto. If package 304 has been subject to an impact event over acertain threshold, indicator 306 detects such event and undergoes achange to indicate such an event (e.g., transitioning from anon-activated state to an activated state). As described above,indicator reader device 350 may acquire information associated withindicator 306 (e.g., capture an image, detect an RFID value, read abarcode, etc.) and indicator reader module 360 may assess suchinformation to derive an activation status of indicator 306.

In some embodiments, indicator reader module 360 is configured to causereader device 350 to acquire information pertaining to indicator 306 atvarious times. For example, in some embodiments, module 360 isprogrammed to cause device 350 to acquire information as to indicator306 prior to grasping or retaining package 304 by UAV 302, aftergrasping/retaining package but prior to package 304 being released fromUAV 302, and/or after package 304 has been released by UAV 302. Ifmodule 360 determines that package 304 has been subject to an impactevent over a certain threshold (as indicated by a current status ofindicator 306), UAV 302 may be programmed to perform, or not perform, aparticular action (e.g., not grasp package 304, not release/deliverpackage 304, return package 304 to its origin, etc.). As an example,should the delivery method involve dropping package 304 from what isconsidered some safe height (or even releasing retention mechanism 320upon package 304 being in contact with the ground or other surface),module 360 may be configured to cause reader device 350 to readindicator 306 (e.g., capture an image and/or otherwise read a valueassociated with indicator 306) after package 304 has been released fromretention mechanism 320. In response to module 360 determining thatindicator 306 indicates an activated status, module 360 may beconfigured to cause retention mechanism 320 to reacquire package 304(e.g., interfacing with controller 324 to cause retention mechanism 320to re-grasp package 304 to enable package 304 to be returned to itsorigin). Similarly, if module 360 detects an activated status ofindicator 306 prior to grasping package 304 for delivery of package 304,or if module 360 detects an activated status of indicator 306 prior toreleasing retention mechanism 320, module 360 may cause UAV 302 (e.g.,interfacing with controller 324) to not grasp package 304 or notrelease/deliver package 304, respectively). If module 360 detects thatindicator 306 has remained in a non-activated status, module 360 mayinterface with controller 324, if necessary, to enable UAV 302 tocontinue its program or operation(s).

In some embodiments, indicator data 362 may comprise informationassociated with when, or at what intervals, to acquire informationpertaining to the activation status of indicator 306. For example, insome embodiments, reader module 360 may access indicator data 362 todetermine when to cause reader device 350 to acquire information as toindicator 306 (e.g., prior to activating retention mechanism 320 (toeither grasp or release), after activating retention mechanism 320(after grasping or releasing), at periodic intervals, etc.). In someembodiments, reader module 360 may store a current activation status ofindicator 306 as determined by module 360 (e.g., along with a time orclock value), may store captured images of indicator 306, and/orinterface with communications module 328 to cause the communication of acurrent status of indicator 306 (along with any acquired data 362pertaining to the activation status of indicator 306) to a remotelocation (e.g., server 342).

Thus, regardless of how UAV 302 might deliver or transport package 304,there may there may be potential damage to package 304 (as a result ofthe transportation/delivery of package 304 or prior thereto). Forexample, package 304 may be inadvertently dropped, UAV 302 maymistakenly fly into a tree, etc. System 300 enables a condition ofpackage 304 to be monitored in connections with its transportation froman origin to a destination. It should be understood that variousfeatures of system 300 may also be remotely activated. For example, insome embodiments, a user may remotely control and/or interface with UAV302 and cause reader device 350 to acquire information pertaining toindicator 306. For example, in some embodiments, UAV 302 may receive asignal to cause camera 352 to acquire an image of indicator 306, causeRFID reader 354 to energize a passive RFID tag of indicator 306 toacquire a value therefrom, cause barcode reader 356 to read a barcodedisplayed by indicator 306, etc. Module 360 may assess the acquiredinformation and determine/communicate an activation status of indicator306. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, readermodule 360 (or portions/certain functions thereof) may be omitted fromUAV 302 and, instead, be remotely located (e.g., residing on server 342or elsewhere). In such an embodiment, for example, information acquiredby indicator reader device 350 may be communicated from UAV 302 to aremote location (e.g., server 342) where a determination of impactindicator 306 activation status is then made. Based on the determinedactivation status of impact indicator 306, various operational controlparameters may be communicated to UAV 302.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for UAVimpact indicator monitoring. The method begins at block 400, where anoperation or procedure to pick-up or grasp package 304 is initiated. Atblock 402, module 360 causes reader device 350 to acquireinformation/data pertaining to impact indicator 306 (e.g., capturing aphotographic image, reading a barcode, reading an RFID value, etc.). Atdecisional block 404, module 360 determines whether the acquiredinformation indicates an activated status of indicator 306. If so, themethod proceeds to block 406, where the pick-up operation of package 304is aborted. If at decisional block 404 it is determined that indicator306 is in a non-activated state, the method proceeds from decisionalblock 404 to block 408, where retention mechanism 320 isactuated/activated to grasp or otherwise pick-up package 304. At block410, UAV 302 is operated to transport package 304 to a destination.

At block 412, an operation or procedure to drop-off/release/deliverpackage 304 is initiated. At block 414, module 360 causes reader device350 to acquire information/data pertaining to impact indicator 306(e.g., capturing a photographic image, reading a barcode, reading anRFID value, etc.). At decisional block 416, module 360 determineswhether the acquired information indicates an activated status ofindicator 306. If so, the method proceeds to block 418, where thedelivery or drop-off operation of package 304 is aborted, and then themethod proceeds to block 420 where UAV 302 is controlled/operated toreturn to its origin. If at decisional block 416 it is determined thatindicator 306 is in a non-activated state, the method proceeds fromdecisional block 416 to block 422, where retention mechanism 320 isactuated/activated to release package 304.

At block 424, module 360 causes reader device 350 to acquireinformation/data pertaining to impact indicator 306 (e.g., capturing aphotographic image, reading a barcode, reading an RFID value, etc.). Atdecisional block 426, module 360 determines whether the acquiredinformation indicates an activated status of indicator 306. If so, themethod proceeds to block 428, where retention mechanism 320 isactuated/activated to re-acquire package 304 (e.g., grasping orotherwise picking up package 304), and then the method proceeds to block430 where UAV 302 is controlled/operated to return to its origin. If atdecisional block 426 it is determined by module 360 that indicator 306is in a non-activated state, the method proceeds from decisional block426 to block 430 where UAV 302 is controlled/operated to return to itsorigin.

Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure enable impact and/oracceleration event detection for package delivery using a UAV.Embodiments of the present disclosure enable the UAV to collectinformation as to the activation status of an impact indicatorassociated with a package being delivered or to be delivered such thatthe condition of the package may be ascertained throughout the deliveryoperation (e.g., beginning prior to package acquisition and extendinguntil a delivery operation has been successfully completed withoutincurring a potentially detrimental impact event.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: apropulsion system configured to fly the UAV to a destination; aretention mechanism for retaining and releasing a package carried by theUAV; and an indicator reader module configured to determine a status ofan impact indicator attached to the package.
 2. The UAV of claim 1,further comprising a communications module configured to transmit thestatus to a server.
 3. The UAV of claim 1, further comprising a camerafor capturing an image of the impact indicator.
 4. The UAV of claim 3,wherein the indicator reader module is configured to derive the statusfrom the captured image.
 5. The UAV of claim 1, further comprising anindicator reader device configured to read a value from the impactindicator, the value indicating the status of the impact indicator. 6.The UAV of claim 5, wherein the indicator reader device includes aradio-frequency identification (RFID) reader.
 7. The impact indicator ofclaim 5, wherein the indicator reader device includes a barcode reader.8. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: a propulsion systemconfigured to fly the UAV to a destination; a retention mechanism forretaining and releasing a package carried by the UAV; and an indicatorreader module configured to: prior to the retention mechanism releasingthe package at the destination, determine a status of an impactindicator attached to the package; and responsive to determining thatthe status indicates an activation of the impact indicator, abort arelease of the package by the retention mechanism at the destination. 9.The impact indicator of claim 8, wherein the indicator reader moduleconfigured to, after releasing the package at the destination, determinethe status of the impact indicator.
 10. The impact indicator of claim 8,further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) readerconfigured to read a value emitted by the impact indicator.
 11. Theimpact indicator of claim 8, further comprising a camera configured tocapture an image of the impact indicator, the indicator reader moduleconfigured to determine the status of the impact indicator from thecaptured image.
 12. The impact indicator of claim 8, further comprisinga barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the impact indicator,the indicator reader module configured to determine the status of theimpact indicator from the barcode.
 13. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),comprising: a propulsion system configured to fly the UAV to adestination; a retention mechanism for retaining and releasing a packagecarried by the UAV; and an indicator reader module configured to: priorto picking up the package by the retention mechanism, determine a statusof an impact indicator attached to the package; and responsive todetermining that the status indicates a non-activation of the impactindicator, pick up the package by the retention mechanism.
 14. Theimpact indicator of claim 13, wherein the indicator reader moduleconfigured to, after releasing the package at the destination, determinethe status of the impact indicator.
 15. The impact indicator of claim13, further comprising a radio-frequency identification (RFID) readerconfigured to read a value emitted by the impact indicator, the valueindicating the status of the impact indicator.
 16. The impact indicatorof claim 13, further comprising a camera configured to capture an imageof the impact indicator, the indicator reader module configured todetermine the status of the impact indicator from the captured image.17. The impact indicator of claim 16, wherein the indicator readermodule is configured to determine the status of the impact indicatorbased on a color displayed by the impact indicator.
 18. The impactindicator of claim 13, further comprising a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) reader configured to energize a passive RFID tagof the impact indicator.
 19. The impact indicator of claim 13, furthercomprising a barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the impactindicator, the indicator reader module configured to determine thestatus of the impact indicator from the barcode.
 20. The impactindicator of claim 13, further comprising a communications moduleconfigured to transmit the status to a server.